Eswatini, a small landlocked monarchy in Southern Africa, has an economy heavily influenced by agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and a few dominant families and elites. Despite widespread poverty and economic inequality, the country is home to a select group of ultra-wealthy individuals, most notably tied to royal power, real estate, sugar production, and retail.
Unlike more industrialized nations, Eswatini’s wealth is often concentrated in the hands of a few, with the royal family holding a substantial share of national assets. Public data on individual net worth is limited, but estimates compiled from credible reports, business disclosures, and regional financial institutions indicate a small group of individuals controlling hundreds of millions of dollars in assets.
Topping the list among the richest people living in Eswatini is King Mswati III, who rules the country as an absolute monarch and controls vast swaths of land and businesses through royal investment entities. Following him are influential business figures such as Nathan Kirsh, who is claimed even by Forbes as the richest person in Eswatini, however, he is an international billionaire originally from Eswatini, currently UK & Israel-based.
Biography:
Born in Eswatini (then Swaziland), Nathan Kirsh is a global billionaire known for his wholesale and cash-and-carry businesses in the United States. His company, Jetro Holdings, owns Restaurant Depot, a major supplier to independent restaurants across America. Though he resides abroad, Kirsh maintains significant real estate and agricultural interests in Eswatini. He has donated to charitable causes in the region and remains one of the wealthiest people ever born in the country, even if he no longer resides there. His net worth, per Forbes, exceeds US $5 billion.
Biography:
King Mswati III has ruled Eswatini since 1986 and is Africa’s last absolute monarch. Through the investment arm Tibiyo TakaNgwane, the king controls significant assets in telecommunications, real estate, agriculture, and sugar. Though Tibiyo is officially a "national trust," the King exercises direct control over its assets, giving him access to substantial cash flows. His personal lifestyle includes a fleet of luxury cars, multiple palaces, and private jets. Despite criticism regarding wealth disparity, Mswati remains a central figure in Eswatini’s economy, wielding both political and financial power.
Biography:
The eldest son of King Mswati III, Prince Sicalo has gained prominence as a top official in the Ministry of Defense. Beyond his royal status, he reportedly holds stakes in various logistics, security, and hospitality businesses. Like other royal family members, Sicalo benefits from land privileges and domestic contracts. His lavish lifestyle, seen through luxury vehicles and international travel, has drawn media attention in recent years.
Biography:
Moses Motsa is one of Eswatini’s leading property developers. His firm, Motsa Group, owns commercial buildings, hotels, and shopping centers across the country, including properties in South Africa. He built his empire from the ground up, starting with small-scale construction in the 1980s. Today, he is seen as one of the most influential business minds in the kingdom. He also sponsors youth and sports initiatives in urban areas.
Biography:
A younger member of the royal family, Prince Lindani is active in the private sector. He has built significant holdings in fuel distribution and real estate, particularly through government-tendered projects. While keeping a relatively low profile, he is involved in several joint ventures with South African and Emirati investors. He is also an advocate for youth entrepreneurship and has helped fund technology hubs in Manzini.
Biography:
Stanley Sihlongonyane made his fortune in construction, particularly through government contracts for roads, hospitals, and public buildings. His firm, Swazi Builders, has become synonymous with major infrastructure development in Eswatini. Known for his pragmatic approach, Sihlongonyane also invests in private schools and rural development programs. He is often cited as an example of non-royal entrepreneurial success in the country.
Biography:
Dumisani Masilela owns large sugarcane plantations and processing plants, playing a major role in Eswatini’s agricultural export economy. His company supplies both domestic and international markets. Masilela is also a board member of several agri-business associations and is vocal about farmer rights and sustainability. He invests in irrigation technologies and supports smallholder cooperatives.
Biography:
Phindile Dlamini is one of Eswatini’s top female executives and a close ally of the royal family. As CEO of REA, she has helped modernize the country's aviation infrastructure. In addition to her aviation career, Dlamini has equity in tourism and hospitality firms, and she advocates for women in executive leadership. Her investments in eco-tourism are helping position Eswatini as a niche destination.
Biography:
Bongani Khumalo owns one of the largest chains of independent supermarkets in Eswatini. His retail empire includes grocery stores, hardware depots, and furniture outlets. Starting as a small trader in the 1990s, Khumalo steadily expanded his presence across urban and rural areas. He is now branching into fast food franchising and distribution partnerships with international brands.
Biography:
As the firstborn daughter of King Mswati III, Princess Sikhanyiso has held multiple government and business roles. She has invested in tech startups and real estate and champions digital transformation across Eswatini. Known for her international education and modern outlook, she often represents the country at global innovation summits. Her personal wealth includes royal stipends and direct business investments.
The richest person in Eswatini in 2026 is King Mswati III, with an estimated wealth of US $300 million tied to royal investments and direct control over national assets through Tibiyo TakaNgwane. Nathan Kirsh is the richest person from Eswatini with a net worth of $7.3 Billion and globally ranked at position 443.
The richest woman in Eswatini is Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini, with an estimated net worth of US $25 million, derived from her royal privileges and investments in technology, real estate, and governance.
Eswatini’s richest individuals represent a blend of tradition and emerging enterprise. While royal privilege remains a dominant wealth engine, new fortunes are also being made in real estate, construction, and agriculture. These profiles show that in a small economy, concentrated wealth can have a large national impact. For aspiring entrepreneurs and policymakers alike, understanding these figures offers insight into how legacy, strategy, and innovation intersect in Eswatini’s evolving economic story.
The Fineducke Team is a group of passionate writers, researchers, & finance enthusiasts dedicated to helping the youth make smarter money decisions. From saving tips, investment ideas to digital income guides, our team works together to bring you easy-to-understand, practical content tailored for everyday life believing financial education should be simple & relatable.
Leave a Comment:
Please log in to leave a comment.
Comments:
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!